Orlando Pirates legend Steve ‘Chippa’ Lekoelea has weighed in on
Monnapule Saleng’s surprise move to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, advising the
winger to focus purely on his game.
Sundowns stunned the football community by announcing the signing of Saleng,
who spent the first half of the season on loan at Orbit College. Lekoelea, a
former Bafana Bafana midfielder, expressed confidence in the player’s
ability to adapt quickly.
“Sundowns is the only team in South Africa that signs quality players, and
Saleng is a quality player, everyone knows that,” Lekoelea told the Siya
crew. “It won’t be hard for him to gel at Sundowns because he’s from a big
team, so it’s going to be easy.”
When asked how he would feel if Saleng now inspired Sundowns to beat Pirates
to the league title, Lekoelea was philosophical. “Football is football, it’s
all about your commitment. If it happens like that, it will be Saleng’s
luck,” he stated. He urged the 27-year-old to block out external noise,
especially ahead of fixtures against his former club.
“Saleng has to focus. He must not think about many things from Pirates, that
when they play against Pirates he would want to prove Pirates wrong—no, he
has just to play his football. Everything will work itself out.”
Lekoelea emphasized that while securing a good contract is important,
performance must remain the priority. “Football is a short career. If he
went to Sundowns and Sundowns give him what he wants, I’m happy for him. He
must not just focus on the money; he should play like we know him.”
On whether the move boosts Saleng’s chances of a Bafana Bafana recall,
Lekoelea cautioned that it hinges on the player’s mindset. “It will depend
on how committed he is. Does he want to go to the World Cup or not? Everyone
has to be serious and focused. It always happens that you’re from a small
team and when you get to a big team your performance drops.”
Lekoelea’s message is clear: the opportunity is immense, but success at
Chloorkop will be determined by Saleng’s application and focus.
